Are you a purist? Don't worry, these 5 contemporary sports cars with manual gearboxes will satisfy your needs

Many motoring enthusiasts were up in arms when numerous manufacturers decided to offer certain sports cars with only an automatic gearbox. Today, we can confirm that the automatic transmission has reached a level that humans cannot surpass, since it allows us to enjoy faster and more precise driving. However, the appeal of shifting gears yourself is still very much alive, and today we bring you five examples of contemporary sports cars that still offer a manual transmission as an option.

Manual gearboxes are not only an option for driving enthusiasts, but also a species on the verge of extinction. Today, most segments opt for automatic gearboxes, leaving the traditional transmission forgotten. However, some manufacturers still believe in this type of gearbox and prove it by allowing some of their creations to be driven with a manual transmission.

BMW M2 and M4: two true-blue sports cars at your full disposal

The M badge has always thrilled motoring enthusiasts, as it is BMW’s performance division. Over the years, we have witnessed how the German brand has expanded the number of M-badged vehicles following the arrival of SUVs and various sporty models.

Currently, there are two BMW M models that allow customers to specify a manual transmission. These are the M2 and M4, two sports cars that have made a mark in the segment and rank among the most successful. At the same time, this option makes them not only two models to consider, but also future classics.

Pairing the manual gearbox with the six-cylinder engine inside both models results in a very fun and passionate combination. In the case of the BMW M4, we find a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine capable of producing 431 CV of power, while the M2 offers a more “modest” 370 CV.

Porsche 911 Carrera T: purity in the form of a car

Porsche is known for offering the world some of the purest cars of all time, something that is reflected in the 911. This iconic model has delivered a high level of performance generation after generation and, although the 991 version is about to be replaced, several engines come with a manual gearbox and can be very interesting.

Despite the undeniable efficiency of Porsche’s PDK transmission, there are still many enthusiasts of these cars who prefer a more traditional gearbox. Currently, the 911 GT3 can be equipped with a manual gearbox but, given the model’s exclusivity, we have decided to focus on a more affordable option, the Carrera T.

The entry-level version of the 911 features a turbocharged six-cylinder engine capable of producing 370 CV of power and 450 Nm of torque. These figures allow the German sports car to be classified as one of the fastest in its segment and as an option worth considering for its heritage and the efficiency it demonstrates on the road.

Nissan 370Z: the Japanese sports car par excellence

It is widely known that Japan has a strong sports car culture, and it shows in its creations. The Nissan 370Z is one of those vehicles that comes from a long legacy of iconic models that made a before-and-after mark in the past, and that spirit is still reflected in this Japanese model.

Today, it stands out not only for its engine or manual gearbox, but also for its value for money. This is what makes it one of the most affordable sports cars on the market, since the Nissan 370Z is offered at a starting price that hits the competition hard. At the same time, the purity of its naturally aspirated engine and manual gearbox make it a very special model.

Under the hood, we find a naturally aspirated V6 that produces 331 CV of power and 366 Nm of torque. These figures place it in territory dominated by German rivals, where it competes against models such as the Mercedes SLC or Audi TT, and becomes a tough rival thanks to its charismatic engine and rear-wheel drive.

Jaguar F-Type: efficiency served on a silver platter

From England comes the Jaguar F-Type, a true thoroughbred sports car that has earned a place in our hearts thanks to its spectacular sound and road efficiency. However, the British brand has wanted to make its latest sports car even more special, which is why a manual gearbox is available on the more modest version of the F-Type -which features a four-cylinder engine- and on the S variant.

In this way, Jaguar has created a product that is very appealing both for its bold yet elegant styling and for its mechanics. In the case of the base F-Type, we find a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine capable of producing 300 CV. If we opt for the S variant, we would be dealing with a powerful 380 CV V6 that delights us with a heavenly chorus.